Adjusting to College Life

A graduate of Gettysburg College, Derek Weigel is a financial entrepreneur for World Financial Group in White Plains, New York. During his time at Gettysburg College, Derek Weigel was called upon to speak with seniors in high school about the potential challenges they might encounter as they transition to college life. Incoming college freshmen should be aware of these challenges and take steps to address them. 

The moment a college freshman arrives on campus is exciting. A new chapter is beginning, and the possibilities and opportunities seem to be endless. As the excitement wears off and reality sets in, adjusting to life at college can be a bit overwhelming. Academic pressures weigh heavily on the minds of students who hope to succeed. Making new friends and establishing a new social network can be challenging, and freedom can bring many new temptations that prove to be distracting and even potentially dangerous. 

Students who are adjusting should expect to feel overwhelmed and stressed at times. College is a new chapter of life that is full of unfamiliar twists and turns that must be navigated. Experts have several suggestions to help incoming freshmen transition more smoothly:

- Expect good days and bad days. Some days will be very easy and full of fun and freedom. Others will be fraught with homesickness, busy schedules, and the stress that accompanies a newfound independence.

- Practice healthy habits. Make sure you eat with nutrition in mind and get enough sleep and exercise. Also, avoid the use of harmful substances.

- Stay connected. Reach out to your parents when you are feeling overwhelmed by having video chats or weekend visits. 

- Get involved. Pursue what excites you and join a club or activity. This is a great way to make friends and to find a sense of belonging. 

- Get help if you need it. Most campuses have mental health services and counselors that are available to help you work through tough times. Figure out who can help and follow through.

The History of the American Soup Kitchen

Gettysburg College graduate Derek Weigel, now a financial entrepreneur with World Financial Group in White Plains, New York, volunteers some of his free time with local charitable organizations. One type of charity work Derek Weigel has performed since he graduated from Gettysburg College is soup kitchen staffing.

The soup kitchen emerged as a means of feeding large numbers of people who were homeless or unemployed In the late 1920s when the Great Depression put a quarter of the American labor force out of work. Most soup kitchens of the era were run by churches or private charitable organizations. Soup was chosen, in part, for its ability to be watered down to feed more people.

By the mid-1930s, federal and state governments provided food aid through soup kitchens. Most communities had at least one soup kitchen, though people in rural areas might have to travel to the nearest city to find one. The tradition of feeding the hungry at soup kitchens continues today, with some expanding their offerings to provide other charitable services.

Planning a Hike with a Dog

A financial entrepreneur with World Financial Group, Gettysburg College graduate Derek Weigel enjoys hiking in his free time. Gettysburg graduate Derek Weigel often takes his dog on hikes, which requires planning and care.

If you’re taking a dog on a hike, think about nutrition for your smaller friend. The trail is no less demanding for a dog than a human, and long hikes require hydration and nutrition for both.

The best food for hiking dogs has at least 30-percent protein content and little grain. Meat-based foods tend to be the best. Grain-free dog food, however, is often more expensive than grain-based food.

If space or weight is an issue, puppy food can be a good substitute. Puppy food has more calories and better nutrition per ounce than adult dog food. While feeding a dog leftover camp food may be tempting, especially if the dog starts to beg, remember that a dog with an upset stomach is not a good traveling companion.